How to Make a Para-Cord Bracelet

Para-cord, short for parachute cord, is a cord that is very strong despite being thin and light. It is referred to also as 550 cord because of its ability to support 550 pounds of weight. Within the cord are seven thin core strands that can be used for setting traps or as fishing line. Tying a bracelet using para cord allows a hiker to carry six to eight feet of cord without taking up space in his pack.

Things You'll Need

  • Parachute cord
  • Lighter
  • Knife
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fold one piece of cord in half, then grab both loose ends, form a loop and pull the ends through to create a knot. The knot should be as far from the fold that, when wrapped around the wrist, the fold can just barely be draped over the knot.

    • 2

      Cut off the loose ends and melt with a lighter.

    • 3

      Subtract 1 inch from the length from the fold to the knot, then cut a length of cord 1 foot long for every inch in the result. For example, if the fold to the knot is 7 inches, cut 6 feet of cord.

    • 4

      Lay the long cord flat so it runs left to right relative to you, then lay the folded cord atop it so that the folded cord is centered along the long cord's width, and the long cord is approximately 1 inch from the fold.

    • 5

      Pass the right loose end of the long cord over the folded cord.

    • 6

      Weave the left loose end over the right cord, behind the knotted cord and over the section of the right end before it crossed over the knotted cord. Pull both loose ends to tighten the stitch.

    • 7

      Pass the left loose end of the long cord over the folded cord.

    • 8

      Weave the right loose end over the left cord, behind the knotted cord and over the section of the left end before it crossed over the knotted cord. Pull both loose ends to tighten the stitch.

    • 9

      Repeat the weave, passing the right across and weaving the left, then passing the left across and weaving the right, until you reach the end of the long cord or until the braid reaches 1/4 inch away from the knot.

    • 10

      Cut the loose ends of the long cord.

    • 11

      Melt each end of the long cord individually, then press on the melted end with a knife when it is hot. This melts the ends to the braid, securing the stitches.